ComEd unveils new power infrastructure upgrades at Itasca substation
ComEd joined business and community leaders from Itasca and the surrounding area last week for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of infrastructure upgrades at the transmission substation in Itasca.
These investments support economic growth, prepare the region for future power needs, and increase reliability and resiliency of the local transmission system, according to a company news release.
“ComEd has one of the most reliable grids in the nation, and that is a direct result of investments like the one we are celebrating today,” said Gil Quiniones, president and CEO of ComEd. “At a critical a time when severe weather and electrification are on the rise, we are strengthening the region’s energy infrastructure to support the growing needs of our communities and the companies who do business in northern Illinois.”
The projects in Itasca are part of a series of transmission upgrades ComEd is performing in the region. More than $1 billion in upgrades are planned to address the energy needs and electricity capacity growth for homes and businesses in the Western O’Hare region of Illinois.
“At Choose DuPage, we work to position DuPage County and Chicagoland as a premier global business location — attracting companies to invest and grow in our region. Having reliable electric infrastructure is a critical component in our ability to do this,” said Greg Bedalov, president and CEO of Choose DuPage. “As we draw nearer to the completion of the Western Access O’Hare project, we’re seeing more opportunity in this area and these upgrades will help us meet that demand, while positioning the region for success in the future.”
Construction on the $96 million Itasca substation project first kicked off in 2022, and was led by local, certified DBE construction firm Ruiz Construction Systems. It aims to boost the capacity and resiliency of the bulk 345kV transmission system, a high voltage network that moves power from generation locations to areas of the region where power needs are most concentrated, serving commercial and residential customers alike. The project also helps ensure the grid remains secure and flexible to withstand increased demand due to more frequent and severe weather events, as well as the growth of businesses, electrification and renewable energy, according to the release.
“This project took a lot of effort and teamwork to get done,” Itasca Mayor Jeff Pruyn said. “Because of that work, our region’s power system is stronger and more reliable, helping keep homes, schools, and businesses running without interruption.”
Capital upgrades include expansion of high voltage lines, new large power transformers and new gas insulated switchgear technology. ComEd worked closely with the village of Itasca to develop the project in a way that maximizes site security, while minimizing visibility of infrastructure from Prospect Avenue and residential neighborhoods to the west and Route 390.
ComEd’s investments in modernizing the grid have led to record-breaking advancements in reliability and are helping bring more businesses to the region. Last year, ComEd helped bring 15 new commercial projects to northern Illinois, with these facilities set to add nearly 1,400 jobs and more than $17 billion in local capital investment from those new businesses, company officials said.